Update: The Texas counseling board will hold a public meeting next Friday, August 23rd to consider the proposed rules in light of public comment. If you wish to attend and make your voice heard, here is the information: www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor/lpc_meetings.shtm

The licensing board for professional counselors in Texas will soon vote on a new rule that will prevent thousands of Texans, especially the sick, disabled, geographically remote, veterans/military, and those with serious mental health disorders such as agoraphobia (fear of public spaces) from receiving needed mental health services for years to come. The new rule would prevent counselors from providing online services unless the client first travels to the office to initiate treatment in-person. The proposed new rule reverses current policy which allows an individual to access mental health care with the counselor of their choice even if they suffer from a condition preventing face-to-face meetings.

The reality is that thousands of individuals needing mental health treatment would lose equal access to services if they must first meet this hurdle. This change would undermine both equality and access to mental health care for Texans.

This proposed change to the board rule for Texas counselors is not supported by research: many sound scientific studies have concluded online mental health treatment is equally effective as in-person treatment, and in some cases even moreeffective. The Texas public will be ill-served by restricting access to mental health services in this way.

The public comment period for objecting to the proposed change ends on August 12th. Urgent action is required....

What you can do:

1) Sign this petition 2) Share this petition with those you know who may wish to use online counseling services now or in the future via email, Facebook, and Twitter!3) Send your respectful comments to the Texas counseling board by August 12th to: lpc@dshs.state.tx.us and bobbe.alexander@dshs.state.tx.us

Thank you for your support for the cause of equality of access for mental health care in Texas.